Avoiding Swine Flu

The recent outbreak of swine flu (H1N1) was declared an official
public health emergency by the U.S. government last wee. Caused by an
influenza virus commonly found in pigs, swine flu is a respiratory
disease that can be contracted by humans. It cannot, however, be
transmitted by eating pork.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
says symptoms are very similar to common influenza and include fever,
body aches, chills, sore throat and fatigue. If left untreated, swine
flu can be fatal.

"Always be cautious if you start with any of these
symptoms," says Carol Scioneaux, a nurse and director of infection
control at East Jefferson General Hospital. "Immediately contact your
primary-care physician, especially if you experience more serious
symptoms such as sudden dizziness, difficulty breathing or excessive
vomiting."

Like other flus, swine flu is contagious and can be
spread by contact or through airborne particles produced by coughs and
sneezes. Oftentimes a person touches something that has the virus on
it, then touches his or her nose, eyes or mouth. Common contaminated
surfaces include doorknobs, desks or other items frequently touched by
people. Once a person is infected with the virus, it can take one to
seven days for symptoms to appear. During that time, an infected person
may spread the disease without knowing they have it.

Health care professionals say the first line of defense
against catching swine flu is to practice good hygiene, especially hand
washing, and to use a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then disposing
of it promptly. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your
elbow. Washing your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20
seconds can help kill germs. You also can use alcohol-based gels to
disinfect your hands. It's also advisable to avoid close contact with
anyone who has the virus and to clean areas at home and work with
disinfectants.

"We are on the down slope of our normal flu season,"
Scioneaux says. "The same practices that protect against the regular
flu are the practices that can protect against irregular flu strains
throughout the year. Some viruses may live on surfaces two hours or
more. That is why we stress hand washing, keeping your hands away from
your face as much as possible and staying vigilant on protecting
yourself."

Staying in good overall health is another important way
to protect against any kind of flu. Eating a balanced diet, getting
plenty of sleep, exercising regularly and keeping stress levels low
will help your body fight off viruses or lessen the severity of a flu
you do catch. Maintaining good health also helps prevent severe chronic
illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer, which may worsen
with the flu.

At this time, there is no vaccine to prevent swine flu.
If you develop flu symptoms, your physician may prescribe antiviral
medications or suggest over-the-counter medications along with
recommending you drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and get plenty
of rest.

For continually updated information about swine flu,
visit the CDC Web site at www.cdc.gov/swineflu.